THE WALL OF FACES

I had just graduated from High School at the time and my brother was stationed at Fort Sill, OK when my Mom sent my brother an envelope with a few bucks. Some time later my Mom received an envelope with the cash she had mailed out and a letter inside from a John J. Gallagher from Philadelphia who was on his tour in Vietnam. He mentioned that for some reason he received the letter with the cash, and wanted to return it. My Mom responded with another letter, thanking him for his honesty and asked him about his family and reletives, since we had the same last name, and John was also my first name.

That started a bit of a penpal relationship that lasted for a couple of months. He started joking around with my Mom and asked if she had a daughter :-) Yes, I do have a sister. If I remember correctly, he mentioned that his tour would end in December of that year. I'm truly sorry to his family that he didn't make it!

I found out about his death on a trip to see The Wall and really just happened upon his name as I was scanning it. After reading the book, I found John J Gallagher was from Philadelphia and really assumed that he had to be one and the same, since the letters that were going back and forth came to an end. My prayers have been with you since then.

Dear SP4 John Joseph Gallagher, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

John is buried at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Philadelphia,PA. ARCOM PH

PHILA. SOLDIER
KILLED BY BLAST
IN VIET WAR

A young Philadelphia artilleryman was killed in Vietnam during a firing mission,
his family was told Saturday.
He was Sp2 John J. Gallagher, 25 of 7445 Oxford ave.
He died Wednesday while taking part in a 175-mm. artillery
bombardment. It was not
known whether an enemy
round struck his weapon or
whether it blew up.
He was a graduate of Cardinal Dougherty High School
and was a member of the
Electricians Union. For five
years he was employed by the
Pennsylvania Bell Telephone
Co. He entered the Army 20
months ago and was assigned
to the 22d Artillery of the
Army's 1st Field Force.
He is survived by his
mother, Mrs. Mary A Gallagher; a brother, Bernard,
who recently was discharged
from the Army after serving
in Germany, and a sister,
Mrs. Mary Gavioli.

John Gallagher did what he was asked to do by his country. In doing so, he was sent to a war that was and still is subject to heartfelt and passionate controversy among the American public. One thing is clear and not subject to any controversy or debate - no one can question this man’s bravery, heroism and sacrifice for the men he fought with and for our country.



Specialist Galagher, we the beneficiaries of your sacrifice, remember you and salute you. I hope that someday I will be allowed to visit that special place where heroes reside for all eternity so I may express my gratitude to you. Until that day . . . . . . . .